A blacksmith's delight!

Today we went to Excelsior, Missouri to an auction.  Mr. Martin, the auctioneer, had been telling us for over a year of this up coming sale. 

There were 4 or 5 wagons full of tools.  This one had most men stumped.  It was decided it might be a door lock mortising machine.  What do you think it is?

 Here's another unique item.  When I saw this tag, I had to look further.

 I can't imagine grinding food for human consumption on this thing!

Forges, many forges. 

Forge blowers, many forge blowers.

Anvils, many anvils.  

Trip hammers, many trip hammers.  4 to be exact. Two were 25 lb. Little Giants, one 50 lb. Little Giant, and one 100 lb. Little Giant.

100 lb Little giant.

 And who won all these hammers?  Phil did!

I am pretty sure Phil will be needing some new mud flaps by the time he gets home too.

He's loaded and ready to go!  Safe travels!

The BAM meeting was held March 17, at Hank Knickmeyer's shop in Cedar Hill.  Hank is a world famous maker of knives and pattern welded steel.  His demo for the day was "canned" damascus.  John Murray also demoed his hammer making technique.

The trade item for this meeting was a "multipurpose tool". 

Spork by Steven eikerman.

Hammer/tack puller by Pat McCarty.

Twisting wrench, many sizes to choose from.

OSB made a pair of tongs.  Not only would it hold various sizes of stock, it will open your beer or your wine bottles.

Muzzle loader shooters will recognize this tool, a pick/screw driver/flint knapper.  Made by Bob Triphohn

Bob Stormer made a knife with a bottle opener on the back side.  It was made from a horseshoe. 

George Rousis made a key ring from old wrought iron that featured three sizes of drilled holes, a bottle opener and a screw driver.  OSB was very happy to be the recipient of this item.

A lot of conversing (BS) goes on at these meetings. 

It was a beautiful sunny day, that is until just as we finished lunch. The sky opened up and it poured then!

A great meeting, Thanks Hank and Bonita!

A group of blacksmiths

If you have a group of geese, they are called a gaggle.  A group of cows is a herd.  A group of birds is a flock.  So what is a group of blacksmiths called?  A good time!

Saturday, a small local club came for a hammer in at the shop.

One even celebrated a birthday!  Congratulations on another year Don!

Doug and Bob worked on a pair of tongs.

Mike and Scott worked on hooks.

Twiddle dee and twiddle dum . . . well who knows what they are working on.

Bruce grinds a knife blade.

BT worked on a tomahawk.

Terry lost in the smoke. . . .as usual.

BT helps Bob with the tongs he was making.

Thanks to Sean (in the middle) for some of the photos in this posting.

Lunch was served, consisting of pulled pork sandwiches, slaw, and chips.  Birthday cake and chocolate chip cookies were served for dessert. 


Eleven blacksmiths enjoyed the day hammering and visiting. Several wives spent the time sharing their show and tell with lots of quilts to look at.


Life is Good!